Dear family and friends,
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.”– Mark Twain
This message resonates with me. Meeting, greeting and eating with people of different backgrounds can help alleviate xenophobia and ideally lead to peace and coexistence. However, an open mind and heart, which is not imprisoned by extreme fundamentalism, is also necessary.
As you read this Shabbat message, Hannan and I will be experiencing Iceland for a few days and then heading to Israel. I’ve pre-written these next two weeks as I will be on hiatus from my computer (though I can read your replies from my cell phone). Today’s message is something I’ve been planning to compile for awhile. I’ve amassed several guest greeters through the years, so I am allowing these “friends” to repeat their greetings for this week:
Neil Sadaka (11/5/10)
David Hasselhoff (12/3/10)
Wally Shawn – actor from Princess Bride (12/3/10)
Paul Simon (12/10/10)
Marvin Hamlisch (z”l) (3/25/11)
David Broza (4/1/11)
Cast member from Les Miserables (4/8/11)
Patti Stanger (Millionaire Matchmaker) (5/6/11)
President Obama (6/24/11)
Senator Debbie Stabenow (7/1/11)
Michelle Obama (10/28/11)
Jane Fonda (11/4/11)
Congressman Gary Peters & Congresswomen Debbie Wasserman Schultz (11/11/11)
Kevin Pollak (recorded by Jason Miller) (11/18/11)
The Maccabeats (12/9/11)
Alan Dershowitz (1/20/12)
Peter Segal (Wait, Wait, don’t tell me) (1/20/12)
Steven Weber (actor) 3/9/12
Richard Kind (actor) 3/9/12
Olympia Dukakis (4/20/12)
Henry Winkler (recorded by Jason Miller) (5/11/12)
VP Joe Biden (8/24/12)
Martin Short (5/3/13)
Wishing you a Sweet and Peaceful Shabbat Shalom.
Lisa
P.S. Check out DPTV’s Jewish Stories Day this Sunday Aug. 17th on Channel 56
12:30 PM THE STORY OF THE JEWS
Historian Simon Schama travels the world to explore Jewish history and the contributions that Jewish culture has made, in this sweeping 5-part PBS series.
6:50 PM DETROIT REMEMBER WHEN: THE JEWISH COMMUNITY
The history of Jews in Southeast Michigan is chronicled via archival photos, home movies, and interviews with historians and members of the community.
8:00 PM ELI: INSPIRING FUTURE GENERATIONS
Holocaust survivor, Eliezar Ayalon z”l was given a cup of honey by his mother when she sent him away from the Polish ghetto, telling him to spread hope into the lives of others. The broadcast premiere of this film from Detroit producer Allyson Rockwell shares Eli’s stories of enlightenment with future generations.
P.P.S. Michigan Maccabi Games starts this weekend. Welcome athletes, good luck during your games and thank you host families for opening your homes to this incredible experience.
http://www.jccmaccabigames.org/
Please mark your calendars. More details to come.
Shabbat Shalom - שבת שלום 